Anna Signeul honoured by Show Racism the Red Card

Friday 10 February 2017

Anna Signeul has been honoured by Show Racism the Red Card, Scotland’s leading anti-racism charity, for her outstanding contribution to equality and respect.

The Scotland Women’s head coach was inducted into the Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament, attended by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Minister for Public Health and Sport Aileen Campbell and members of the Women’s National Team.

Since taking up her post as the Women's National Team Coach Anna has made a significant contribution to women's football in Scotland.

She has supported the Show Racism the Red Card campaign through anti-racism educational events held for young people at Hampden Park, where she teaches attendees about the importance of non-discriminatory behaviour towards people because of their skin colour, nationality, culture or religion.

She joins a long and distinguished list of football stars and celebrities who have made an outstanding contribution to the charity, including former Scotland managers Craig Brown and Alex McLeish, and current England manager Gareth Southgate.

Show Racism the Red Card aims to raise awareness of women's football and put positive role models in the spotlight for young people to look up to.

Anna Signeul said: “It was a huge honour to be inducted into the Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame and it felt really special.

“To have it presented to me by the First Minister was a great privilege and having the Sports Minister, Aileen Campbell also present shows a huge respect for myself, Show Racism the Red Card and women’s football.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Show Racism the Red Card which I feel is natural for us because it’s the values that we share.”

Anna was presented the award by the First Minister, who was made patron of the Women's National Team in March 2016.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “Anna has been one of the Scottish FA's best appointments in recent years.

“She and her players and staff have worked so hard to improve the fortunes of the national team and we were all delighted to see them reaching their first ever European Championships finals in the summer - although we will be disappointed to see her leave for her new challenge in Finland.

“I'm proud to be patron of a team that Anna leads and her dedication and professionalism is demonstrated in everything she does.

“Her work to promote equality and help eradicate racism from football and society in general is to be admired and it is only right that she is recognised for her work in helping others.”

Campaign Manger for Show Racism the Red Card, Nicola Hay said: “Anna is a wonderful role model for young people and the intersectional approach she has taken toward equality is important.

“Anna’s work to promote equality and stand against racism is fundamental in removing barriers to participation not only for some girls and some women but for all.